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Greta Garbo

Edward Steichen

Artwork Details

Greta Garbo
1928
Edward Steichen
gelatin silver print on paper
13 7/8 in x 10 7/8 in (35.24 cm x 27.62 cm);22 1/8 in x 18 1/8 in (56.2 cm x 46.04 cm);14 7/16 in x 11 3/16 in (36.67 cm x 28.42 cm)
Museum Purchase
1971/2.144

Description

Subject Matter:

Greta Garbo is photographed seated on a chair, which she holds onto with both hands. Her right hand clutches the seatback and the left hand’s index finger points towards her hair. The light falls from the right side towards where her gaze is directed, illuminating half of her face and a small part of her neck. The stark background of this closed set coupled with her intense look creates a dramatic and intimate portrait. This image was made by Edward Steichen at MGM Studios for Vanity Fair during the filming of the movie A Woman of Affairs. Steichen was the chief photographer at Condé Nast publications at the time. Steichen was instrumental in introducing a stylized and modern aesthetic to Vogue and Vanity Fair, as seen in this portrait.

Physical Description:

Portrait of the actress Greta Garbo. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.